Division Director of Water and Sewer Utilities

Division Director of Water and Sewer Utilities

Salary

$142,764.10 - $264,113.58 Annually

Location

Division of Water & Sewer Utilities - Frederick, MD

Job Type

Full-time Regular

Job Number

FY27-00109

Department

Division Director

Opening Date

09/01/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB INFORMATION

The Division of Water and Sewer Utilities (DWSU) plays a vital role in supporting Frederick County's infrastructure by ensuring residents have access to safe, clean drinking water and dependable wastewater services. Through responsible management and environmental stewardship, the Division works to protect the County's natural resources while maintaining essential public services.

The Division's work is carried out across five departments and one support office, which provide services in water purification and distribution, wastewater treatment and disposal, regulatory compliance, system maintenance, engineering and planning, and water and sewer billing.

For best consideration, submit your application by 4:00 p.m. Monday, September 21st.

Exempt (clothing allowance and professional organization membership dues eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; full-benefits; partial telework may be available in accordance with Division policies

This position manages all operations related to the Division of Water and Sewer Utilities (DWSU) and is responsible for the development and administration of programs related to the operation and maintenance of water and sewer systems and infrastructure. Ensures compliance with local code and ordinances, as well as state and federal regulations regarding land, air, and water. Prepares and administers budget of all departments within the division. Interacts with various levels of outside parties, including residents and elected officials. Manages Water and Sewer Enterprise Funds and administers the Water and Sewer Capital Improvements Program. Supervision is received from the Chief Financial Officer. This position serves at the pleasure of the County Executive.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment

• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover

• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)

• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending

• Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care

• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit

• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan

• Vesting after 5 years of service

• Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.

• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program

• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program

• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan

NOTE: Benefited employees will accrue service and leave based on the FTE and/or hours worked per calendar year.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead with innovation by staying current on industry standards and best practices, incorporating emerging trends and evidence-based approaches into Division planning
• Develop, execute, and modify the Division's Strategic Plan and set the overall direction for the Division through prioritizing projects; provide long and short-range goals and plans for program departments
• Plan, coordinate, and supervise the overall operation of the Division of Water and Sewer Utilities
• Review, approve, and prepare Division staff memoranda for presentation to the County Executive, Chief Financial Officer, or Elected Officials
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, or standards related to Water and Sewer Utilities operations and safety
• Provide technical advice and assistance to the County Executive, Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Financial Officer on utilities-related matters
• Collaborate with the County Attorney on legislative and regulatory changes, contract disputes, litigation matters, and enforcement actions
• Coordinate with public, State, and Federal agencies on project development, permitting, and funding activities
• Respond to constituent and customer inquiries and resolve complaints involving water, or wastewater
• Oversee Capital Improvement Program (CIP) activities, including project planning, monitoring, and approving contract change orders within delegated authority limits
• Update the Water and Sewer Rules, Regulations, and related County ordinances through a public hearing process
• Prepare agreements, memoranda of understanding, contracts, property leases or purchases in collaboration with the County Attorney
• Prepare, review, and administer the annual operating and capital budgets and the capital improvement program, and account for the expenditure of funds
• Using an outcomes-based budgeting approach guide, oversee the development and monitoring of the Operating and Capital Budgets, present to the County Executive and the County Council
• Assist with drafting bid documents, reviewing proposals, and recommending contract awards for chemicals, services, and capital improvement projects
• Establish new programs and staff them, including initiatives such as Asset Management and Cross-connection Control
• Provide comprehensive leadership over all personnel management functions, including hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, and promoting staff; maintain required records, ensure accurate payroll and timekeeping, monitor staffing needs, and direct professional development to support a high-performing workforce
• Create and maintain relationships with local and County agencies and Federal and State regulatory agencies
• Participate in regulatory and professional groups and peer utility organizations
• Represent Frederick County Division of Water and Sewer Utilities, Frederick County Government and the County Executive to civic groups, committees, boards, organizations and other groups; attend meetings and conferences and make public presentations
• Promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging practices within the Division; confer with the Chief Equity and Inclusion Office to identify and execute strategies to ensure that all programs are designed and delivered using equitable practices; communicate values and expectations to management staff through policy creation, practice, and guidance; identify mechanism to monitor and evaluate efforts
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The essential duties do not cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Bachelors degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field

• Minimum of 10 years of management experience working in the operation or engineering of water or wastewater treatment systems, which must include (experience areas may be concurrent)

• Minimum of 5 years of supervisory experience

• Minimum of 3 years of budget experience

• Possession of a valid drivers license

Substitution for the above-listed required education and experience is a Master's degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field with 8 years of work experience as described above with at least 5 years of work experience supervising or managing staff and 3 years budget experience.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:

• Extensive knowledge of water and sewer utility infrastructure, including treatment plants, pumping stations, storage tanks, transmission mains, and sanitary sewer interceptors
• Extensive knowledge of the water and wastewater industries, including regulatory, technical, laboratory, and environmental compliance requirements
• Extensive knowledge of biology, chemistry, and mathematics as applied to water and wastewater treatment processes
• Extensive knowledge of laws, regulations, ordinances, and safety requirements governing water and sewer utilities
• Extensive knowledge of hazards common to water and sewer operations and the ability to apply appropriate safety measures
• Extensive knowledge of quality control and quality assurance principles
• Extensive knowledge of public administration, including the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and procedures
• Extensive knowledge of budget development, financial analysis, water and sewer rate modeling and fiscal management for complex operating and capital programs
• Extensive knowledge of procurement practices, including bid preparation, proposal evaluation, and contract administration
• Advanced skill in program development, including designing, staffing, and implementing new operational and strategic initiatives
• Advanced skill in supervision, leadership, employee coaching, performance management, and administering disciplinary actions
• Advanced skill in preparing, reviewing, and presenting complex reports, memoranda, and recommendations to executive leadership and elected officials
• Advanced skill in conducting public hearings, public meetings, and processes involving updates to ordinances, rules, and regulations
• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Ability to assess operational data, identify irregularities, determine causes, and take appropriate corrective action in water and wastewater systems
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, schematics, and process/instrumentation diagrams, and utilize required technology, software, and equipment safely and effectively

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Related management experience at the local government level and/or private-sector management experience with similar professional and technical diversity and organization size
• Current registration as a Professional Engineer

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is constantly sitting, occasionally walking, performing repetitive motions and driving
• While working in this position, the employee is frequently working indoors

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination
• Flexibility in routine work schedule to accommodate meetings, occasionally with short notice, at various times, including nights and weekends
• Ability to provide own transportation to other local and state-wide locations, as needed
• This position is considered essential during emergency events or at other times as determined by County leadership
• This position is designated as security-sensitive, requiring a satisfactory background investigation, conducted by the Frederick County Sheriffs Office, in accordance with established Frederick County policy. Estimated completion time for this background investigation is 30 days.

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include):

1) An evaluation of training and experience

2) One or more interviews

3) A pre-employment Security Sensitive background investigation

Frederick County Government is committed to providing an inclusive work environment and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding workplace accommodation, including for individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process may contact the Talent Acquisition section of Human Resources. Inquiries about accommodations can be sent to Recruitment@FrederickCountyMD.gov

Retirement Plan:

A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:

County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:

Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employees completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.

Life Insurance:

Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation:

The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employees direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.

Educational Reimbursement Program:

County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employees capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesnt remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.

Employee Assistance Program:

This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.

Leave

Annual Leave - Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year

0 - 2 years 11 days

2 - 10 years 17 days

10 + years 24 days

Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.

Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employees child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.

Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.

Holidays:

The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.

For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.

All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.

01

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.

• I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.

02

Do you have possession of a valid drivers license?

• Yes
• No

03

Which best describes your level of education?

• Less than Bachelors degree
• Bachelors degree received
• Advanced degree received

04

In the text box below, please enter the field of study for the degree you earned.

05

How many years of management experience working in the operation or engineering of water or wastewater treatment systems do you have?

• Less than 8 years experience
• 8 years experience
• 9 years experience
• 10 or more years experience

06

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

07

Did your management experience working in the operation or engineering of water or wastewater treatment systems include 5 years of supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

08

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

09

Did your management experience working in the operation or engineering of water or wastewater treatment systems include 3 years of budget experience?

• Yes
• No

10

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.

11

Do you have related management experience at the local government level and/or private-sector management experience with similar professional and technical diversity and organization size?

• Yes
• No

12

Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.

13

Do you have current registration as a Professional Engineer?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer Frederick County Government

Address 12 East Church Street

Frederick, Maryland, 21701

Phone 301-600-1070

Website http://www.FrederickCountymd.gov/jobs